Bhubaneswar, Mar 21: The State government has initiated all efforts to grab Unesco heritage status for Odisha's historic maritime trade fair 'Baliyatra', Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Sujaj told the Assembly today.

In response to a question asked by Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, the Minister said a committee of experts knowing Baliyatra has been formed to collect data and prepare documentaries on the historic Baliyatra.

"The State government has initiated efforts to prepare documentaries based on the process set by the Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi and present the same to the Unesco," said the Minister.

It may be noted that the Chief Minister, addressing a large gathering at the last Baliyatra Utsav, stated that his government had taken steps to accord international heritage status to the Baliyatra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also talked highly about Cuttack's historic Baliyatra at international forums- at Bali in Indonesia and Utkarsh Odisha and Make-in-Odisha Conclave in Bhubaneswar.

Addressing large gatherings at the two places, the Prime Minister highlighted the rich maritime trade Odia Sadhabas used to undertake in foreign lands like Java, Sumitra, and Bali centuries ago. Minister Suraj also informed the Assembly that steps are being taken to fetch heritage status to the Dhanu Yatra of Bargarh.

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